Past, present and future of seismic evaluation of bridges in Kentucky

Issam E. Harik, David L. Allen

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

Western Kentucky is situated in the heart of the New Madrid seismic zone. In recognition of this high seismic risk, a study was initiated in 1986 to determine the vulnerability of the highway system in western Kentucky. The study concluded that a total of 111 bridges are likely to fail on a selected primary 'emergency' system. A number of these bridges have been retrofitted and the rest are scheduled for retrofit. In addition to these bridges, two double deck bridges crossing the Ohio river have been evaluated for possible collapse. The study on these bridges was mandated by FHWA following the collapse of the Bay Bridge and the elevated portion of I-880 during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. At present, a study is underway to develop earthquake time histories, design spectra, and maps of horizontal acceleration for use in the design of new bridges and in the seismic evaluation of existing bridges and appropriate retrofitting schemes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages1186-1189
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 1995
EventProceedings of the 13th Structures Congress. Part 1 (of 2) - Boston, MA, USA
Duration: Apr 3 1995Apr 5 1995

Conference

ConferenceProceedings of the 13th Structures Congress. Part 1 (of 2)
CityBoston, MA, USA
Period4/3/954/5/95

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Architecture

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